Concord May 5th 1874

Dear Miss Chandler, I enclose your ticket to the next meeting of our Club. No: the Fates will not frown upon your attendance as hitherto but admit you affectionately into our circle. I have distributed forty tickets, to Mr. Emerson more than one, and enclose a duplicate for any chosen friend of yours whom [page break] you think will enjoy the interview, and possibly become a member. Some little time will [strikethrough] define [/strikethrough] fix definitely the terms of membership and matters pertaining thereto. Mr Emerson has not named his theme, and we shall all enjoy the more the surprise when announced; or, still better- each one find the name and significance for himself. Surprise is one of the beauties of the host's art, or of fine manners, and the charm of [page break] conversation. May has hardly smiled as yet. May-day lingers sullenly still as if threatening to delay and linger into June. Can it be waiting for our schoolmistress'sallying forth into summer and it’s pleasures by mountain and stream? [underline] Then [/underline], we shall persuade her to try our fields and brook-sides, and learn whether former haunts have lost their charms for her summer guest. [page break] And would not Shakespeare entertain us for a summer morning or two? We will see. So till Wednesday and Mr. Emerson, as always. Affectionately yours, A. Bronson Alcott

Miss Ellen A. Chandler